Damage in Tijuana

Jose Arias Martinez, 73, of Tijuana shows the spot where a tear gas grenade hit his house, which faces the U.S.-Mexico border fence. Arias said the stinging effects of the gas sent his family fleeing. Border Patrol officials have defended their tactics, saying assailants pelt agents almost nightly with rocks to try to divert attention while they smuggle people into California.

Jose Arias Martinez, 73, of Tijuana shows the spot where a tear gas grenade hit his house, which faces the U.S.-Mexico border fence. Arias said the stinging effects of the gas sent his family fleeing. Border Patrol officials have defended their tactics, saying assailants pelt agents almost nightly with rocks to try to divert attention while they smuggle people into California. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Jose Arias Martinez, 73, of Tijuana shows the spot where a tear gas grenade hit his house, which faces the U.S.-Mexico border fence. Arias said the stinging effects of the gas sent his family fleeing. Border Patrol officials have defended their tactics, saying assailants pelt agents almost nightly with rocks to try to divert attention while they smuggle people into California.Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times